Latest news with #FIFAWWC
RNZ News
26-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Spain's Bonmati keen to add Euro crown to glittering career
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 golden ball winner Aitana Bonmatí Photo: PHOTOSPORT Aitana Bonmati is hoping to add another piece of silverware to her bulging trophy cabinet when Spain play their first Women's Euro final, taking on holders England in Basel on Sunday morning. The 27-year-old playmaker has won six league titles and three Champions League crowns with Barcelona and taken home the Ballon d-Or Feminin in 2023 and 2024, as well as a World Cup and Nations League title with Spain. "It would close the circle a little bit - this, together with the Olympic Games," she told reporters at the team's base in Lausanne on Friday. "We want to add the only tournaments that we are missing. For me personally, it would be very nice in the future to have the memory of having won the great tournaments at the highest level in football." Spain pose ahead of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup final against England Photo: PHOTOSPORT Spain's best finish to date in the Euros came in 1997 when they came third, and their only appearance in the Olympic tournament led to an agonising fourth-place finish at the Paris Games in 2024, where they lost the bronze-medal match to Germany. Sunday's final - a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final - promises to be a tight affair, with six of the last seven games between the two sides decided by a single goal and the seventh a scoreless draw. "The game on Sunday is unique, very one-on-one, where things are decided by the smallest margins. Anything can happen, no matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are," Bonmati explained. "They have it too, they have lived through many finals. It is going to be a very equal match in that respect." Bonmati and her teammates are very conscious of where the game will be won and lost. "When we talk about our game, we talk about a possession game, and we, in the vast majority of games, have had possession. So if we don't have it, something bad will happen, so I hope we have it more than England," she said. - Reuters
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Euro 2025 semifinals: Aitana Bonmatí's game-winner in extra time lifts Spain over Germany
A rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final is on the way. Aitana Bonmatí beat Germany's Ann-Katrin Berger near post with an angled shot to the bottom right-corner in the 113th minute at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, to break a scoreless tie in extra time and send Spain to its first-ever UEFA Women's Euro final. Berger appeared to expect a cross, making an uncharacteristic error in judgement near the end of an otherwise fantastic outing. Germany, which won six straight Euros from the mid-'90s to the early 2010s, had never lost to Spain in a major tournament. In the nations' third such meeting, Spain prevailed. Spain will meet England on Sunday (Noon ET, Fox), which is coming off a shocking, and controversial, win over Italy on Tuesday. Spain dominated possession in the first half Wednesday, so much so that by the time it had completed 219 passes, Germany had completed only 39 passes. When intermission rolled around, Spain went into the break with 12 shot attempts, 10 more than Germany. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Germany opened the match with great physicality and never really relented, an impressive feat, especially after playing with 10 players throughout most of regulation, and then extra time, during its dramatic quarterfinal win in penalties over France. Germany mounted a trio of fouls in the first 12 minutes of action, but the whistles were worth it. Manager Christian Wück's squad seemed to rattle the usually clinical offensive operation of Spain, which entered the semifinal having scored 16 total goals in the tournament. That said, Spain created serious momentum toward the end of the first half. Esther González — who came into the day as the Golden Boot frontrunner with four goals — was at the heart of the surge. In the 41st minute, she won a corner kick, which led to a threatening Irene Paredes header that hit the right post. González tried a bicycle rebound, except it sailed high and wide. Minutes later, González made a run downfield. Patricia Guijarro found her, and González split Germany's Sophia Kleinherne and Carlotta Wamser. That time, though, her left-footed shot from the center of the box was saved by her NWSL Gotham FC teammate. Berger, the hero of Germany's quarterfinal win — and of the 2024 Olympics — recorded five first-half stops and eight total saves, the first of which saw her rise up and use her right hand to deflect a beamer from González over the bar. Berger's final save of the opening frame came in its waning seconds, as she secured a Clàudia Pina shot that didn't have the power necessary to find twine. The halftime whistle halted Spain's push and gave Germany a chance to reset. Germany came out swinging in the second half, matching its first-half shot total in just four minutes. Still, Germany didn't record a shot on goal until the 63rd minute when Klara Bühl's attempt from the left side of the box was saved by Spain's Cata Coll. Giovanna Hoffmann played Bühl into the shot, but Hoffman previously missed some critical chances of her own midway through the first half. First, after Jule Brand sent a cross into the middle, Hoffman swung and missed, affording Spain an opportunity to clear. Then, just three minutes later, Hoffman was barely offsides at the time of a brilliant throughball from Carlotta Wamser. Even if Hoffman wasn't offsides, though, it's worth noting that her 1-on-1 shot dragged wide of the cage. Spain manager Montserrat Tomé subbed out González at the 68th minute, making way for Salma Paralluelo. To break the tie in regulation, Spain needed scoring from two-time Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Bonmatí or anyone else in its lineup. Paralluelo had her chances in the late stages of the second half, but she couldn't come through, either. Germany dared to end the match in added time with two of its three shots on net in regulation, in succession. Coll, showing she can go toe-to-toe with Berger on the other end, made a double save, first going off her line to track a deflection and then using her legs to stop a follow-up shot. In what was the fourth of six knockout games in this year's Euros to reach extra time, Germany and Spain traded opportunities. Germany's Wamser rifled a shot over the bar. Spain's Paralluelo threatened before Kleinherne cut her path to goal short with a challenge that came at a cost — she became the latest German player to suffer an injury in the tournament. Despite Germany's fight, however, Spain proved too much to overcome in the second period of extra time. That's when Bonmatí scored her game-winner. Here's how the thrilling semifinal match unfolded:
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Brazil legend Marta hopes to win another Copa America Femenina after coming out of retirement
It was just a year ago when Marta left the Olympic final with tears in her eyes, emotionally marking the end of a storied career with the Brazilian national football team. Turns out, the six-time world player of the year wasn't quite finished. The 39-year-old forward has come out of retirement and is playing at the Copa América Femenina in Ecuador. The Brazilians have won eight titles in the premier women's tournament for South America. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. Even though Marta had stepped away from the national team, Brazil coach Arthur Elias pulled her back in late May for a pair of friendly matches against Japan. Marta started in another Copa América tune-up match against France in late June. Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. | Photo Credit: Jean Carniel Marta said she's just living in the moment. 'My work doesn't change, the feeling doesn't change, the pride doesn't change, the desire to help the team doesn't change, and it never will, regardless of whether I'm playing or not. But the way I'm facing things, not only here in the team, but I think in my day-to-day life, is a different way,' she said in a news conference when she was brought back. 'I'm aware that I don't have many years left to play, so the little I have, I want to make the most of it.' Before last year's Paris Games, Marta said she would be retiring from the national team after the Olympics to make way for the next generation of players. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to the United States in the final. ALSO READ: World champion Spain ends dream run of Switzerland to enter semifinals of Women's EURO 2025 But she continued to play for her club team, Orlando Pride, in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, she scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. Overall, Marta's national team career has spanned more than 20 years. She's played in 204 games for Brazil, scoring 119 goals. She's played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. In 2019, Marta became the highest scorer in #FIFAWWC and #FIFAWorldCup history, tallying 1️⃣7️⃣ goals. 💫 — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 18, 2025 The nation has reached the Olympic final three times, including in Paris, but a gold medal has remained out of reach. Marta started in Brazil's Copa América opener, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela, then came off the bench in a 6-0 win over Bolivia. Next up is a match against Paraguay on Tuesday. She has said she'll accept any role that Elias gives her, realising that Brazil has a host of talented young players, including 25-year-old Kerolin, who plays professionally for Manchester City, and 22-year-old Luany, who plays for Atlético Madrid. But there's also an elephant in the room: The Women's World Cup is coming to Marta's home country in 2027. Previously, Marta said she didn't see herself playing in it — she'd be 41 — but she hasn't exactly ruled out the possibility either. Marta has played in six World Cups and six Olympics. Brazil's best finish at the World Cup was runner-up in 2007. | Photo Credit: REUTERS 'The coach has always made it very clear that he'll be calling whoever is best at the moment, regardless of age. And I think that the way he's doing it is the most correct way,' she said. 'There's no point in coming here and saying, `I'll be playing in the World Cup in two years.' It will depend on what happens in my day-to-day life, and that's why I'm thinking this way today and living one day at a time.' She may also have another plan for her future. 'I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to call my doctor and see if it's still possible,' she said in a recent interview with Globo's Esporte Espetacular.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Brazil's Marta Weighs Motherhood And 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup Dream
Brazil's forward #10 Marta gestures during a friendly football match between Brazil and Japan, at ... More the Arena Corinthians stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 30, 2025. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images) Brazilian soccer legend Marta believes it is 'too early' to decide whether she will play at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup on home soil, saying she holds a 'very strong' desire to become a mother. Brazil will host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027, becoming the first South American nation to do so. During the June 24-July 25 tournament, all eyes will be on their prolific forward Marta, a six-time FIFA Women's Player of the Year, who will be 41 years old at the time of the tournament. Although Marta initially announced her international retirement last year after their silver medal achievement at the Paris Olympics, she made a comeback for the national team in May this year and is part of their ongoing Copa America Femenina campaign. No longer feeling the weight of pressure to prove herself, Marta says she wants to enjoy every moment of playing the sport, taking it one day at a time. 'I don't know whether I'll still be playing in 2027 or whether I'll be fit. It's too early to say that I'm definitely going to play. I still have a very strong desire to be a mother,' Marta told Brazilian media Globo's Esporte Espetacular TV program on Sunday. 'So, I might wake up one day and decide to call my doctor to see if it's still possible. If it is, then bye, I have to go.' Marta Hopes Brazil Can Throw A 'Beautiful Party' Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA Men's World Cup. (Photo by) Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 119 goals, Marta has played at six World Cups, making her debut in 2003. However, she is yet to win a World Cup, coming closest in Brazil's runner-up finish at the 2007 edition in China. Marta, who became the first player in world football to score in five World Cups during the 2019 tournament, added that regardless of her participation in the 32-team tournament, she hopes for her country to host a memorable World Cup. "I hope that Brazil can uphold its tradition of throwing a beautiful party, enjoying the moment and welcoming people warmly. This competition is unique for our continent and South America,' the 39-year-old said. Spain will be the defending world champions in 2027, having sealed their maiden title by beating England in the final at the 2023 edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Marta's last World Cup appearance came in the 2023 edition, where she did not register a goal or an assist as the Brazilians were knocked out in the group stage. Marta Talks About Brazil's Copa America Femenina Target QUITO, ECUADOR - JULY 13: Players of Brazil pose before the CONMEBOL Copa America Femenina 2025 ... More match between Brazil and Venezuela at Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda on July 13, 2025 in Quito, Ecuador. (Photo by) With a year left on her contract with the NWSL team Orlando Pride, Marta also said that her participation at the next World Cup will depend on her technical fitness and her daily motivation to work on the pitch. Currently playing the 2026 Copa America Femenina with Brazil, Marta expects the team to lift their record-extending ninth title. The Brazilians have won six of the tournament's last seven editions. 'Brazil is the favorite, and we know it,' Marta said. 'We know our responsibility to bring home the title. But it's no use just being the favorite if you don't perform and make things happen on the pitch.' Brazil started their title defense with a 2-0 victory over Venezuela in Group B on Sunday. The 10-team competition is being held in Ecuador from July 11 to August 25.
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Michelle Agyemang aims to forge her own path after solid start to England career
Though the cameo was short, Agyemang made a big impression, sparking life into an England attack that, until Keira Walsh's 87th-minute goal, had not registered a single shot on target, at times looking like she might equalise and make it two international goals in as many appearances. 'In terms of mirroring my game, I think I want to be a unique player,' Agyemang said. 'Obviously there's things I take from other people, but I want to be my own type of player and bring my own type of input to the game.' The teenager's trajectory might have looked different had her Arsenal team-mate Alessia Russo not been forced to withdraw from that Nations League squad. Agyemang, the youngest player in manager Sarina Wiegman's squad, was drafted in as a replacement, and opened her England account two days after her first senior call-up. 80' makes her senior debut.81' scores a worldie. Michelle Agyemang knows how to introduce herself. 😮💨👏 — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) April 8, 2025 The buzz already building in north London has spread to the national set-up, and Agyemang is quickly becoming an expert at handling the hype. She said: 'To be fair, for me, in terms of pressure, I think most of the pressure comes from myself,' she said. 'I don't try to listen to the noise.' Aygemang recently returned to her parent club following a loan spell with Brighton. In Switzerland, she has leaned on Russo, describing her Arsenal and England team-mate as 'so consistent in the way she plays, the way she trains, and you see it on the pitch'. She is also a big fan of Lauren James, calling the Chelsea forward 'one of the most technically gifted players I have ever seen'. England know Wednesday's Netherlands encounter is likely to be a must-win if they want to keep their European title defence alive. Michelle Agyemang describes head coach Sarina Wiegman as 'like a mum to us almost' (Martin Meissner/AP) On Saturday, Wiegman, who Agyemang describes as 'like a mum to us almost… who has put a lot of trust in me' told the forward to 'just go and change the game' in her major tournament debut. It was a mission – even without a goal – she arguably accomplished, making a case for playing time in their critical second group-stage encounter, though Agyemang is grateful for whatever experience she can get. She added: 'It's easy to look at the time and think there's not enough time left – that's the beauty of the game. It only takes 10 seconds to make an impact.'
